Prototype and injected javascript

I'm working on a very stripped down version of BlackCandy on 2.3.3 to be used as a starting point for new projects. I have noticed a few things I don't think I have noticed before, and was wondering if someone could clear them up:

1. I see Prototype is included by default in any page. I thought this was stopped in favour of jQuery in 2.3.0? Yes I know how to block it, but I was curious as to the future of Prototype with SS.

2. When I include $SearchForm in my template, the following code is injected at the bottom of the source:

1: No. 2.3 still includes prototype. 2.4 will even still include prototype as its default / main library. The target for jquery rewrite is 2.5

2/3: Its not shown on the ss.org site. Because we blocked the default libraries - Requirements::block('jsparty/prototype.js'); etc on load. And to get rid of the form behaviour you have to disable JS validation on forms - Validator::set_javascript_validation_handler('none');